4 Reasons to Invest in a Kitchen Scale & How to Put it to Good Use

If you’re wondering whether a kitchen scale is a pro tool or home chef must-have, the answer is both! There are many ways in which a food scale can assist in the kitchen. Aside from more precision in preparing recipes, food scales can help you reach your nutrition goals, keep the kitchen clean and convert measurements. Learn what this cool kitchen gadget can do for you.

Why You Need a Kitchen Scale

1. Accuracy

A food scale can help you to be precise when measuring ingredients. When measuring dry ingredients, measuring cups are not always the most accurate. Instead, measure by weight using your food scale. With cooking and especially baking, consistency is key. Having accurate measurements every time you make your favorite recipes can help ensure you get the same great results, every time!

2. Portion control

Not all foods at the supermarket come in portion sizes that are right for you and your lifestyle. Use a food scale to measure out the portion size that’s right for you. When measuring weight, you can be sure your portions are consistent every time.

3. Quicker cleanup

After making a meal, does your kitchen look like a tornado spun through it? Instead of using a slew of measuring cups and spoons, use a food scale with one bowl. Simply zero out the scale after adding each ingredient to the bowl. By minimizing the use of several kitchen tools and dishes, you’re saving time and energy to focus on the things that matter to you – like cooking a balanced meal for yourself and your family.

4. Convert measurements like a pro

If a recipe lists ingredients using the metric system, a food scale can assist. Place a bowl or plate on the scale, zero it out and add your ingredient until you reach the desired amount. Be sure that your food scale is in the proper units, such as grams vs. ounces.

How to Use a Food Scale

1. Choosing the right scale

If you’re going to be weighing any large portions, you’ll want to get a scale with at least a 5 lb. capacity. There are still some scales that are not digital, but they will not have the same conversion capabilities and accuracy of digital food scales.

2. Using the zero function

When using your scale, you want to make sure to use the zero or “tare” function. This will cancel out the weight of whatever is on the scale and set it back to zero. If you are baking and adding all the ingredients to one mixing bowl, use the tare function after adding each ingredient to get an accurate measurement.

3. When to use a scale

Many baking recipes include weight measurements for the ingredients. This is a perfect opportunity to use your kitchen scale, which will keep your amounts accurate and true to the recipe. Cooking can allow for more variance and estimation. If you’re in the mood to experiment while you cook, ignore measurements and have fun. If food measurements are important for your health plan, stick to the food scale, which is the most accurate form of measurement and will help keep you on track. When following a recipe, sometimes it’s easiest to use the kitchen tools recommended in the recipe, whether that’s measuring cups, a kitchen scale, a pinch or a dash.

4. Clean is cool

Make sure to wipe your scale down and disinfect it after each use. If using raw meat, fish or poultry, keep it in a separate bowl or plate to reduce the chances of food borne illness.

Whether you are an experienced chef, a weeknight warrior or a young professional trying to nourish yourself, a food scale can be an essential part of your kitchen. To learn more about how to use a food scale as part of your daily routine, schedule a Telenutrition appointment with a Kroger Health Registered Dietitian.